In the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne there are many common themes expressed. The Crucible takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in a colonial Puritan society. It shows the hysteria that took place in 1692 that ultimately led to the Salem Witch Trials. Similarly, the Scarlet letter also takes place in a Puritan society. It tells the story of a young woman who committed the sin of adultery but learns to cope with punishments. Throughout the stories there are many themes and lessons to be learned. The common themes expressed in both The Crucible and The Scarlet include, reputation, the power of good versus evil, and sin and how it is one one the main focuses of each story. Initially, reputation
…show more content…
In both stories a power struggle is shown between the two forces. In the Crucible, the people of Salem become so confused on which side is actually good and which is evil. Many become absorbed in the Puritan beliefs that both God and the Devil are present in Salem. This leads to the hysteria and outrageous accusations. “The entire village bases its belief system good versus evil and, or Satan versus God. Over and over as people are accused of witchcraft, this paradigm gets dragged out” ( Shmoop Editorial Team). In addition to this, evil is also expressed through the acts of individual characters. Abigail Williams is an example of this. As the story progresses her true nature is revealed. Abigails is a female orphan and has no legitimate power in Puritan society. She, therefore uses illegitimate means to control others. These methods include, sex, lies, and threats. Jealously and spite, especially towards Elizabeth Proctor, and lust for John Proctor are her main motivations” (Bright Hub Education). The Scarlet Letter also shares the theme of good versus evil. Roger Chillingworth embodies evil throughout the story. He becomes consumed with the idea of revenge against Arthur Dimmesdale for the adultery he committed with his wife Hester. “One conflict that is present through the book is the idea of good versus evil, which is presented through Roger Chillingworth. Chillingworth’s actions in the story are in a sense the only true evil acts done. Over the seven years, Chillingworth devoted his time to fuel Dimmesdale’s self torture with no remorse or compassion”
In both stories a power struggle is shown between the two forces. In the Crucible, the people of Salem become so confused on which side is actually good and which is evil. Many become absorbed in the Puritan beliefs that both God and the Devil are present in Salem. This leads to the hysteria and outrageous accusations. “The entire village bases its belief system good versus evil and, or Satan versus God. Over and over as people are accused of witchcraft, this paradigm gets dragged out” ( Shmoop Editorial Team). In addition to this, evil is also expressed through the acts of individual characters. Abigail Williams is an example of this. As the story progresses her true nature is revealed. Abigails is a female orphan and has no legitimate power in Puritan society. She, therefore uses illegitimate means to control others. These methods include, sex, lies, and threats. Jealously and spite, especially towards Elizabeth Proctor, and lust for John Proctor are her main motivations” (Bright Hub Education). The Scarlet Letter also shares the theme of good versus evil. Roger Chillingworth embodies evil throughout the story. He becomes consumed with the idea of revenge against Arthur Dimmesdale for the adultery he committed with his wife Hester. “One conflict that is present through the book is the idea of good versus evil, which is presented through Roger Chillingworth. Chillingworth’s actions in the story are in a sense the only true evil acts done. Over the seven years, Chillingworth devoted his time to fuel Dimmesdale’s self torture with no remorse or compassion”